ABSTRACT
A comparative study of two patients, one affected by haemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy (HSE) and the other by heatstroke is reported. Both presented shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, neurological damage and hepatopathy. A lowered alpha 1-antitrypsin concentration as well as a slightly increased circulating immune complexes and complement consumption were observed in the HSE patient but not in the heatstroke one. In both, cultures for bacteria were negative, the viral serology was non-specific and hepatitis A and B studies were negative. HSE patient died. A possible relationship between HSE, heatstroke, malignant hyperthermia and halothane hepatitis is postulated. Fever, potentially hepatotoxic drugs or unknown agents (HSE) might trigger this clinical picture.
Subject(s)
Brain Diseases/etiology , Heat Exhaustion/etiology , Shock, Hemorrhagic/etiology , Female , Heat Exhaustion/diagnosis , Humans , Infant , Liver/pathology , Male , Shock, Hemorrhagic/diagnosisABSTRACT
Four cases of membranous laryngotracheobronchitis (MLTB) are presented. This entity is defined as an inflammation of larynx, trachea and bronchi, with mucopurulent membranes adhered to subglottic space wall. Radiological study shows irregularity of the proximal tracheal mucosa as well as adhered membranes resembling foreign bodies. Two out of the four children suffered from measles and one had staphylococcal pleuropneumonia. Tracheal aspirate obtained by laryngoscopy yielded S. aureus in two cases, and beta-lactamase positive H. influenzae in another. All patients required nasotracheal intubation and antibiotherapy. Characteristics of MLTB are discussed, pointing out its difference from viral laryngotracheobronchitis. Possibility of MLTB being initially a viral process undergoing bacterial superinfection later on is analyzed.
Subject(s)
Bronchitis/etiology , Croup/etiology , Laryngitis/etiology , Tracheitis/etiology , Virus Diseases/complications , Airway Obstruction/etiology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Bacterial Infections/complications , Child , Child, Preschool , Combined Modality Therapy , Humans , Infant , Intubation, Intratracheal , Measles/complicationsABSTRACT
A case of Apple Peel syndrome in a 1,800 g. premature female infant is reported. In a two stage approach, the dilated proximal segment of the jejunum was treated with jejunoplasty and termino-terminal anastomosis. After 55 days of total parenteral nutrition, oral feedings were instituted with good tolerance and satisfactory weight gain. Five months postoperatively, her weight is 5,500 g. and is on a standard diet for her age.
